The European Union Friday condemned Israel's decision to legalize settlement outposts in the occupied Palestinian territory and urged Israel to reverse its recent actions.

“Israeli authorities announced on Sunday that they would consider nine illegal settler outposts in the occupied West Bank as legal under Israeli law. The European Union rejects this decision and reiterates its position that settlements are illegal under international law and that it will not recognize any changes to the 1967 borders other than those agreed by the parties,” according to a statement by the EU’s spokesperson. “The EU renews its call on the Israeli authorities to halt settlement construction and to reverse these latest decisions as a matter of urgency.”

The statement also expressed the EU’s concern over the rise in tension and violence in the occupied territories, calling for de-escalation and avoiding unilateral decisions.

“The EU is gravely worried by the heightened tensions and increased violence. In the current worrying context, it is important to consider steps to de-escalate the situation and avoid unilateral decisions and actions that would undermine the viability of a negotiated two-state solution to the conflict, and fuel more tensions,” it said, adding, “The EU stands ready to help the parties to rebuild a path towards dialogue and work together to reverse the negative cycle of violence and to avoid any further loss of lives.”